FRENCH WORD-A-DAY

I have a mantra that I use with myself that I find to be very settling, which is All Is Well. I say it to myself when I can see when it's true and also when I can't, because I know that it's always true, whether I can see it or not. I know that you and Jean Marc will wirk out the challenges you are facing in the best way possible. Sometimes it's necessary to hold on and fight for something, and sometimes it's necessary to let go. Only you know what is best in your situation. But, wherever you are a year from now, All Will Be Well...whatever that looks like. Whatever your challenges look like now, they will look different in a year's time. You can do this. All is Well.

I found this for you and for your friends who live in France, Kristi :)

https://www.amazon.fr/Lavera-Cover-Stick-Ivory-01/dp/B00JRWWVX6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470392936&sr=8-1&keywords=Lavera+Cover+Stick

I am praying that you make the right decision for your future. I do feel strongly though that, at the moment, you are where God wants you to be (((big-big-hugs)))

Sending you blessings and courage and fortitude to make the best decision possible for your life situation going forward. Everyone you have touched, both near and far, are cheering you on.

Dear Kristi: I missed the email where you might have talked about why you would be leaving. Sending good thoughts, good energy, and prayers your way.

Moisturizer you mentioned has propyl glycol and fragrance in it, so not sure that you want to put it on your skin. But it may be that good. Organic coconut oil is also good. Or the natural products from Juice Beauty, Gwenyth Paltrow's line.

Much love from Redondo Beach, currently by way of Romania, Lorrie

I guess I missed the writing about the paoblaems also. Any reference?

Beautifully written blog. Bon Courage. x

Dear Kristi,
Your writing and candor move me.
I think there are a dozen ways to answer the question "How are you?" to ourselves and others. I could say today "I'm fine. I am healthy, no aches, on vacation, with enough money for the month." I could also say that I feel broken, in need of direction and healing and don't know if I will find these now, when I need them. These and other answers are all true. I love, as many did, John Hawke's response to the post above about being involved in something that will go on for generations and never be finished, of letting go of control, expectation, perfectionism.
If life is about doing what we can with an unknown amount of time, I would say you and Jean-Marc have been riotously successful! What if success looks like all the hills and valleys you have crossed? Others don't see all of your vulnerabilities and specific challenges, but maybe strangers also are more able to see the big picture when they react positively to your lives. You have love, you have created and sought out beauty, you pursue your individual and joint dreams, you are involved with family, friends, neighbors, strangers, customers, colleagues. You are young, beautiful, hard-working, full of gratitude. You live in a lovely area, which was brutally attacked last month, and which may have shaken you as it did the world, but which will recover. I believe these are true. I wish you help with what ails you.
Bon courage to you both.
Love, Leslie

Kristi,listen to your readers. Sometimes we all get so caught up in our own lives we can't clearly find the best direction to take. You have an incredible support group; listen to them if possible. Ultimately the choice is yours -- do what will make you two happy. And you know that we'll always, always help you and JM if ever you ask.

Kristin, please tell me you are not thinking of moving! I hope so much that you stay exactly where you are in your amazingly personal and beautiful mas with vines growing and the lily blooming.

Whatever your hearts direct you to do, Kristi and Jean-Marc, you can handle. All of your experiences thus far prove that resilience is yours, whether or not that is apparent to you whilst troubling times are happening. All the wise adages to do with the challenges of disruptive change are true, I've found: the fellow humans who shared them out of their own hearts, souls, and lives KNEW: 'this too shall pass' as matters unfold. Growth hurts, and when it feels like failure, it's truly NOT that; it's the tug of life. We are here to listen, understand, and above all to reassure and sustain our beloved friends les Espinasses. Besides, we'll follow you anywhere.

It's seems all's been said. Various posts - Nancy S., Chris A., Leslie in NYC - I heard myself say 'Amen to that' or 'ditto.' I know you and J-M will bloom wherever you're planted. May God's blessings pour upon you.

Prayers and best wishes surround you as you and Jean-Marc unravel the challenges and figure out what to do in response to them. I remember what it was like to be overwhelmed and exhausted in every way by the unending and frustrating work of the business I had created. If there any way any of us can help in a more concrete way, please put the word out.

Kristin, I don't have anything to add to everyone else's comments other than so much love and concern surrounds you no matter what you decide and where you may live. Sending you prayers and a warm hug to both of you!

"Is wishing so only to interfere with destiny?"
Destiny is what you make it; it's not preordained.
Sheila in Port Townsend

Dear Kristi and Jean-Marc,

Your dear wise friends, Anne and Kirk, brought you a very symbolic gift in the form of a lily. This lily has several common names but the two I like the best are resurrection lily or surprise lily. In early spring its leaves appear, grow and then die back in June. In late summer or September the lily again appears as a single stalk and blooms in four or five days. It truly is a surprise to see this lily bloom directly from the bare earth without a sign of leaves! The decisions you are working through just now will have a solution with a natural and right timing in your lives just as this wonderful lily does each season.

So, know that you have love and support from near and far, not to mention your great family. As always, I send my best wishes.

Leslie NYC is very wise, and said it all for me. You both may be more affected than you realize for a while by the tragedy of Nice.
Beyond that, kindest wishes and support from all your cyber friends and from the Angels.
Ellen in B.H.

Yes, I read that post, but did not read into it so dire an outcome. Woeking with and against nature is sometimes overwhelming. Farmers et al are the hardiest and often most hopeful
Of all humans.

Hear! Hear, Leslie! Your comment is exqusitely written and insightful.

You've expressed what so many- if not all of Kristi's readers/admirers- have come to recognize about La Famille Espinasse: their life is imbued with beauty, talent, passion, perseverance and love.

Kristi, JeanClaude and I join my fellow New Yorker and all of your commenters in wishing you and Jean-Marc lots of emotional strength and fortitude as you mull over your next steps.

And JeanClaude adds: "Ayez la frite!"

What more can I add to all the comments above? Several years ago, when I was going through a challenging time, I was browsing in a shop that sold scented candles. My eye wandered toward a figurine of a beautiful angel, asleep on a rock. On that rock is imprinted 'All is as it should be.' I bought the figurine (on sale) as a gift for myself and keep it on my nightstand to remind me, in difficult times, that there is no need to burden myself with worry. I can release the anxiety and remember to trust that, indeed, all is as it should be, and will continue to be well. The turbulence is bound to pass, hopefully sooner than later. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts.

This. Perfectly said.

Wishing Jean Marc and you peace, energy, resilience. Sending love.